Bambara Currency Depicting a Fish
Product ID: A1500-105
$495.00
About this piece
A fish never meant for dinner, only for spending.
Bambara smiths of Mali, West Africa, forged this fish-shaped currency in iron in the 20th century. Forged iron pieces were commonly traded or used for significant payments across parts of West Africa, and their shapes could be stylized. The slim body tapers to a forked tail at the left, while a tall triangular fin sweeps up and back like a sail. A small iron tab is fixed to the fin.
About 12 inches long. Lies flat on a console and swims nowhere. Excellent manners.
